Scorching Heat Expected in 19 Cities, Municipalities as Holy Week Begins

The Holy Week will bring a hot and humid climate to Metro Manila and most parts of the country, with 19 cities and municipalities expecting "dangerous" heat levels. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the heat index will reach 43 degrees Celsius in areas such as Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Meanwhile, other areas will experience localized thunderstorms and cloudy skies with rains due to the frontal system.

Key Takeaways:

• The hot and humid weather is caused by the easterlies, or warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, affecting Metro Manila and most parts of the country.
• The heat index will reach 43 degrees Celsius in 19 cities and municipalities, including Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.
• The heat index in these areas falls within the "danger" classification of Pagasa, which ranges from 42AoC to 51AoC.
• Other areas, such as extreme northern Luzon, will experience cloudy skies and rains due to the frontal system.
• Weather specialist Veronica Torres warned that the chances of localized thunderstorms will increase from afternoon to evening.

Statistics:

• The heat index will reach 43 degrees Celsius in 19 cities and municipalities.
• The areas with the highest heat index include Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43AoC), San Ildefonso, Bulacan (43AoC), Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite (43AoC), and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (43AoC).
• Other areas will experience a heat index of 42AoC, including Bacnotan, La Union; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Coron, Palawan; Daet, Camarines Norte; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Catarman, Northern Samar.

Sources:

• Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)
• Veronica Torres, weather specialist